Help for people coming out of restrictions
LTHOUGH anxiety and worry due to the pandemic has declined as restrictions have lifted, research by Mental Health Foundation found that those with long-term health conditions or existing mental health difficulties are still struggling.
People in Wokingham Borough have told us that they want to see mental health support prioritised.
Our What Matters Most report showed that collectively people want better access to help at the time they need it most and more information about the types of support available.
Your GP can offer you support with your mental health, or there are some services you can refer yourself to, including some new ones that have sprung up during the pandemic.
Wokingham Wellbeing Service
Wellbeing workers from Oxfordshire Mind work with people ages 18 and over with mild to moderate mental health needs to help them develop tools and techniques to increase their wellbeing. You do not need to be diagnosed with a mental health condition.
If you think this could help you, then talk to your GP who can refer you.
Talking Therapies
This NHS service offers support to people aged 17 and over who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or phobias.
You can refer yourself or talk to your GP, who can refer you. You will be offered a telephone assessment to understand the difficulties you are facing and offer the most appropriate therapy. Call 0300 365 2000 or visit the website
Recovery College
Recovery College provides education on a range of topics that could benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
You can select the courses that will help you to explore possibilities and rebuild a better life.
You can visit the website to find out more and fill in a referral form or contact the friendly team on 0778 989 0707
Citizen’s Advice Wokingham runs the One Front Door service and can help with finding services to support your mental health and address issues such as debt and domestic violence that may be negatively affecting your wellbeing.
Call 0300 330 1189 or 0118 978 7258.
The Breathing Space
The Berkshire West Breathing Space service is a safe, welcoming and supportive space for anybody aged over 18 experiencing emotional distress and struggling to cope.
They are available to provide support every Friday to Monday evening, from 5pm until 11pm. You can access Breathing Space in person at the central Reading hub, online via video chat, or on the phone.
Contact them directly by email at breathing-space@together-uk.org or call on freephone 0800 002 9091.
Local volunteer-led support groups
Depression Xpression
Anxious? Sad? Depressed? Isolated? Don’t suffer alone. Depression Xpression run Monthly support groups in Wokingham. They have speakers or demonstrations on relevant topics and offer a chance to share with friendly, nonjudgmental peers. To book a place at a Monthly meeting visit https:// depressionxpression.org.uk/
Mental Health Mates
A peer support group organising walk and talk events for those with mental health difficulties and their friends and family. They meet twice a month for a walk and a cuppa afterwards.
Contact by emailing mhmreading@gmail.com of join the Facebook group.
If you would like to feedback your experience of using mental health services in Wokingham then you can share your views with us at Healthwatch by calling 0118 418 1418. Write to us at Healthwatch Wokingham, Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AS or email enquiries@healthwatchwokingham. co.uk